Many people will be driving or riding in planes or trains over the summer. You probably know about the toll prolonged sitting takes on office workers, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that travel can be rough on a person’s back, too. We hope that all our patients at the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence will exercise preventive measures, so we thought we’d share a few tips.
You don’t want to have to stretch your spine to reach the steering wheel or pedels. Scoot your chair up as close to the wheel as you comfortably can. It’s also a good idea to change your position on the steering wheel sometimes to prevent shoulder freeze. Office workers are advised to get out of their chairs and stretch about every half hour. This is good advice for people sitting in vehicles, as well, but at minimum, they should try to make sure they flex their legs and ankles that often. If your car seat doesn’t have lower back support, you can provide some by putting a small cylindrical pillow in the curve of your lower spine. A rolled up blanket or soft piece of clothing may serve, if necessary. Specialized cushions may be available for people with particular problems, such as sciatica.
Generally, anything that is causing you discomfort at the start of your trip will only get worse. Don’t sit with objects in your back pockets and if you’re not driving, keep your feet on a flat surface. Also, remember to keep your head upright and facing forward instead of at a mobile device in your lap.
Dr. James Huggins runs the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.
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